EP4. The Crucifixion: From the Roman Empire to the Fourth Dimension

Let’s explore the deep roots of crucifixion imagery, from ancient Roman execution methods to its transformative representation in art. We’ll journey through Renaissance polychrome sculptures, understanding how artists depicted Christ's suffering to convey powerful narratives. We culminate with Salvador Dalí’s "Crucifixion (Corpus Hypercubus)," blending Catholicism, science, and surrealism in a groundbreaking 20th-century piece. Join me for an enlightening exploration of how a symbol of death evolved into a profound artistic expression across time and dimensions.

Connect with Liz at Matter of Art on the podcast ⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠: ⁠⁠https://⁠matterofart.co/⁠⁠. ⁠

Sources:

Banchoff, Thomas F. “Salvador Dalí and the Fourth Dimension.” Proceedings of Bridges 2014: Mathematics, Music, Art, Architecture, Culture (2014). http://t.archive.bridgesmathart.org/2014/bridges2014-1.pdf.

“Crucifixion (Corpus Hypercubus).” The Metropolitan Museum of Art. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/488880.

Harley-McGowan, Felicity. “Death Is Swallowed up in Victory: Scenes of Death in Early Christian Art and the Emergence of Crucifixion Iconography.” Cultural Studies Review 17, no. 1 (2011): 101–24.

Harley-McGowan, Felicity. “The Crucifixion.” In Picturing the Bible: The Earliest Christian Art, edited by Jeffrey Spier, 227-232. Yale University Press, 2007.

Stoleriu, Adrian. “The Theme Of The Crucifixion Of Christ In Visual Arts,” SEA – Practical Application of Science 3(2), no. 8 (2015): 161-167.

Episode art: Salvador Dalí, Crucifixion (Corpus Hypercubus), 1954, Oil on Canvas, 76 1/2 × 48 3/4 in., Metropolitan Museum of Art, https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/488880.